Ranatunga seeks probe into 2011 World Cup defeat

Ranatunga, 53, in a video posted on his Facebook page, said he was shocked by Sri Lanka's six-wicket defeat in the final at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. "I was also in India giving commentaries at the time.

When we lost, I was distressed and I had a doubt," Ranatunga said. "We must investigate what happened to Sri Lanka at the 2011 World Cup final."

"I cannot reveal everything now, but one day I will.

There must be an inquiry."

Without giving names, Ranatunga said players could not hide the "dirt" with their clean white cricket clothing.

Sri Lanka, batting first, scored 274-6 off 50 overs and appeared in a commanding position when Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar was caught for 18. India turned the game dramatically thanks partly to poor fielding and bowling by Sri Lanka.

Local media have raised suspicions of Sri Lankans throwing the match, but there was no formal call for an investigation till Ranatunga's outburst.

However some of the Indian cricketers were not exactly amused with Ranatunga's demands, which also in a way undermines their effort.

Gautam Gambhir feels that Ranatunga should back his allegations with evidence.

"I am surprised by Arjuna Ranatunga's allegations. These are serious comments by a very respectable voice in international cricket. I think to clear the air, he should back his claims with proofs," Gambhir, who top-scored for India with 97 in the final, said. Ashish Nehra, a key member of the 2011 World Cup winning team, said that one should not pay much attention to these kind of statements.

"I don't wish to dignify Ranatunga's comments by airing my views on the issue. There is no end to these kind of statements. If I question Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup victory, is it in good taste? So let's not get into it. But yes, it is disappointing when someone of his stature says something like this," Nehra said.